Internal Auditor

Job Purpose:

To conduct independent and objective audits of all departments to ensure compliance with UAE laws and regulations, company policies, and industry best practices. The Internal Auditor helps safeguard company assets, promotes operational efficiency, and supports continuous improvement across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Audit Planning & Risk Assessment

• Develop an annual audit plan based on risk assessment of all departments in line with UAE regulatory requirements.
• Identify and prioritize key risk areas, including financial, operational, IT, HR, Procurement, Sales, and other business units.

2. Audit Execution

• Perform audits to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes.
• Review transactions, documents, systems, and workflows for compliance with UAE Labour Law, VAT regulations, data privacy laws, and other applicable local regulations.
• Conduct interviews with staff while maintaining confidentiality and professional ethics.

3. Reporting & Recommendations

• Prepare clear and concise audit reports highlighting observations, risks, root causes, and recommendations.
• Present findings to senior management and the Audit Committee.
• Ensure follow-up on implementation of agreed corrective actions.

4. Compliance & Integrity

• Monitor adherence to UAE laws, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering), Economic Substance Regulations, and other compliance requirements.
• Ensure that HR policies and employee practices comply with UAE Labour Law (e.g., gratuity, leave, working hours).
• Assist in internal investigations when required, ensuring strict confidentiality.

5. Continuous Improvement

• Recommend practical solutions to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Promote awareness of risk management and internal controls throughout the organization.

6. Stakeholder Management

• Coordinate with external auditors, regulators, and government authorities when necessary.
• Maintain professional independence while fostering positive relationships with department heads.

Key Requirements:

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification preferred: CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), ACCA, CA, CPA, or equivalent.
• Experience:
• Minimum 5–10 years of internal audit experience in the UAE or GCC, preferably across multiple industries.
• Knowledge of UAE regulatory frameworks, Labour Law, and compliance requirements.
• Skills:
• Strong knowledge of International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IPPF) and UAE local regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.
• Strong communication skills in English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information.
• Proficiency in MS Office and ERP systems; knowledge of audit software is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Objectivity and independence.
• Professional ethics and integrity.
• Critical thinking and sound judgment.
• Time management and ability to manage multiple audits simultaneously.